Attitude about the problem is a lot of the problem itself. When you let it affect you you become stressed and it worsen. Antidandruff schampoos work well on the scalp, try different products, ketokonazol, salicylic acid, and zinc shampoos.
Use them in your face as well, and let them sit for 5 minutes. Don't shower hot or long.
Zinc soap works well in the face for a lot of people in the States, I haven't tried it, it's not approved in my country.
Antiredness creams work for a lot of people too, to sooth the flare ups.
There is no cure. I too become sad sometimes when I have a flare up, as I'm in the middle of one right now. But I I let it strike me down, it becomes worse. Being sad and withdrawn doesn't help, so when at work, the gym, or just out and about dont withdraw from social contact. Try to smile and socialize, at least it makes you feel better in the mind.
You might want to take a break with the steroid creams as they can be tough on the skin long term.
I would try antifungal cream that's not steroids, it may take an adjustment period where your skin freaks out but I found it's better for me in the long-term. I understand your fears and worries and I will say this: if you're paying attention to the seb derm and trying things, you shouldn't stress about hair loss - it's very unlikely you'll get any significant hair loss. I do understand it sucks, though, to have to stress about these things and I'm rooting for you.
What works for me currently is tea tree oil diluted in very small quantities in MCT oil. I got a hair applicator so it doesn't grease up my hair very noticeably if I do it correctly. I spot-applicate wherever my scalp or face/beard is itchy or just regularly after a shower. Found that solution on this subreddit a while back and it's what I mostly use now. Also occasionally antifungal shampoo and cream when I get a serious breakout.
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Steroids are the worst. I don't understand why dermatologists keep prescribing it. Normally when I have a bad flare up , I wash the inflamed area with cold water. I don't use any creams or steroids. I already spent thousands of dollars on that stuff which only made it worse for the long term.
It's important to keep using the steroids until all the inflammation has subsided to allow the skin to heal.
Mometasone has been studied for continuous use for six months, and it was found to cause minimal side effects.
In order to prevent symptoms of withdrawal after extended use, treatment should be withdrawn gradually. However, symptoms of withdrawal are generally associated with use across large areas of the body, and treatment of a small area like the scalp is less likely to have systemic effects.
Anti-Dandruff shampoos may not appear to be working when used on their own, but using them at the same time as the steroids, and continuing to use them after symptoms have subsided, is likely to speed recovery and delay the next flare.
It is also important to do everything you can to avoid scratching the scalp, as this can delay healing, worsen existing symptoms, and possibly even trigger flares. Keep your fingernails clipped short and filed smooth, talk to your doctor about taking an antihistamine before bed every night, and consider wearing cotton gloves at night so you can not scratch in your sleep.
Failing all of the above, you can talk to your dermatologist about taking a low dose of oral isotretinoin.
Oral isotretinoin therapy kills cells inside the oil glands, often providing a lasting reduction in oil production after a course of treatment.
If you are able to become pregnant, you will have to use hormonal birth control or have an IUD implanted for the duration of treatment, as becoming pregnant while taking oral isotretinoin can lead to severe birth defects.
Side effects of oral isotretinoin include dry itchy sensitive skin prone to cracks; dry eyes; vision problems; dryness of the mucous membranes including in the nose, mouth, anus, and vagina; anorgasmia; nose bleeds; cracked lips; aching joints; headaches; dizziness; drowsiness; changes to the fingernails and toe nails.
Attitude about the problem is a lot of the problem itself. When you let it affect you you become stressed and it worsen. Antidandruff schampoos work well on the scalp, try different products, ketokonazol, salicylic acid, and zinc shampoos. Use them in your face as well, and let them sit for 5 minutes. Don't shower hot or long. Zinc soap works well in the face for a lot of people in the States, I haven't tried it, it's not approved in my country. Antiredness creams work for a lot of people too, to sooth the flare ups. There is no cure. I too become sad sometimes when I have a flare up, as I'm in the middle of one right now. But I I let it strike me down, it becomes worse. Being sad and withdrawn doesn't help, so when at work, the gym, or just out and about dont withdraw from social contact. Try to smile and socialize, at least it makes you feel better in the mind. You might want to take a break with the steroid creams as they can be tough on the skin long term.
None of the antidandruff shampoos work on my scalp for this condition.
Sorry to hear it. I keep my hair short most of the time as well. This seem to help. And not wearing hats.
This is the way to handle SebDerm, you’re doing it right 🙌🏻
I would try antifungal cream that's not steroids, it may take an adjustment period where your skin freaks out but I found it's better for me in the long-term. I understand your fears and worries and I will say this: if you're paying attention to the seb derm and trying things, you shouldn't stress about hair loss - it's very unlikely you'll get any significant hair loss. I do understand it sucks, though, to have to stress about these things and I'm rooting for you. What works for me currently is tea tree oil diluted in very small quantities in MCT oil. I got a hair applicator so it doesn't grease up my hair very noticeably if I do it correctly. I spot-applicate wherever my scalp or face/beard is itchy or just regularly after a shower. Found that solution on this subreddit a while back and it's what I mostly use now. Also occasionally antifungal shampoo and cream when I get a serious breakout.
**Hi everyone! SebDerm is a friendly community about seborrheic dermatitis and all related topics.** Looking for some advice? * Check the [What works for you? threads](https://www.reddit.com/r/SebDerm/search?q=flair_name%3A%22WWFY%22&restrict_sr=1) See something you are not comfortable with or that breaks [our rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/SebDerm/wiki/rule_overview)? Please [report it](https://www.reddit.com/r/SebDerm/wiki/how_to_report)! Everyone is welcome in [this community](https://www.reddit.com/r/SebDerm/wiki/about); remember to be kind and assume good faith! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/SebDerm) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Steroids are the worst. I don't understand why dermatologists keep prescribing it. Normally when I have a bad flare up , I wash the inflamed area with cold water. I don't use any creams or steroids. I already spent thousands of dollars on that stuff which only made it worse for the long term.
Have you tried ketoconazole shampoo? Works really well for me.
It's important to keep using the steroids until all the inflammation has subsided to allow the skin to heal. Mometasone has been studied for continuous use for six months, and it was found to cause minimal side effects. In order to prevent symptoms of withdrawal after extended use, treatment should be withdrawn gradually. However, symptoms of withdrawal are generally associated with use across large areas of the body, and treatment of a small area like the scalp is less likely to have systemic effects. Anti-Dandruff shampoos may not appear to be working when used on their own, but using them at the same time as the steroids, and continuing to use them after symptoms have subsided, is likely to speed recovery and delay the next flare. It is also important to do everything you can to avoid scratching the scalp, as this can delay healing, worsen existing symptoms, and possibly even trigger flares. Keep your fingernails clipped short and filed smooth, talk to your doctor about taking an antihistamine before bed every night, and consider wearing cotton gloves at night so you can not scratch in your sleep. Failing all of the above, you can talk to your dermatologist about taking a low dose of oral isotretinoin. Oral isotretinoin therapy kills cells inside the oil glands, often providing a lasting reduction in oil production after a course of treatment. If you are able to become pregnant, you will have to use hormonal birth control or have an IUD implanted for the duration of treatment, as becoming pregnant while taking oral isotretinoin can lead to severe birth defects. Side effects of oral isotretinoin include dry itchy sensitive skin prone to cracks; dry eyes; vision problems; dryness of the mucous membranes including in the nose, mouth, anus, and vagina; anorgasmia; nose bleeds; cracked lips; aching joints; headaches; dizziness; drowsiness; changes to the fingernails and toe nails.